Episode 312: School Festival, Final Day.

「…Mnh.」

The morning air was starting to feel more than just cool. It made me miss the warmth of the blankets even more, and I found myself unconsciously burrowing deeper in search of heat.

I could hear the faint chirping of birds as I let myself drift in that half-asleep state. It felt like I was wrapped in something incredibly comfortable that wasn’t my usual bedding, and I felt a strong urge to just sink into it.

「Muu… mmm…」

「Fufu… Kazunari-san.」

Chu.

A soft, ticklish sensation on my forehead.

Pulled by that sweet feeling, my consciousness rapidly began to clear.

「Mmm… mnh?」

「Good morning, Kazunari-san.」

The usual wake-up greeting from Sara-san. But unlike usual, it was clearly coming from a very close distance.

I mean, this presence… no, this feeling of being wrapped up from head to toe, this heavenly comfort…

No matter how I thought about it, I was definitely still being held by Sara-san.

「G-Good morning, Sara-san.」

「Yes, good morning, Kazunari-san.」

I slowly opened my eyes, but as expected, all I saw was darkness. Since I was buried in Sara-san’s heaven, that was only natural.

「…Sara-san, are you sleeping in today?」

「No, if anything, I would say you woke up early, Kazunari-san.」

「…Is that so?」

「Yes. Usually, it would be about time for me to get out of bed.」

「Eh… is it still that early? By the way… um.」

I was debating whether to point this out, but Sara-san was hugging me tighter than I expected. I couldn’t move at all. It was like this by the time I noticed, but don’t tell me this happens every morning?

「Fufu… if you move, that’s a no-no, okay? I haven’t finished my morning recharge yet, so please stay here and let me hold you a little longer, Kazunari-san.」

「Re-recharge? Well, I get it…」

Come to think of it, I remember Sara-san saying something about a morning recharge before.

I guess this was it.

「Ah, right, since you’ve gone to the trouble of waking up, Kazunari-san…」

「Yes?」

「Kazunari-san… please look this way.」

「…O-Okay.」

I knew exactly what Sara-san was about to do.

I mean, once I lifted my face, the expression that met my eyes was just melting with sweetness.

「Mnh…」

Chu.

Sara-san slowly closed her eyes as her lips approached, and then my lips were taken.

It was a kiss led by Sara-san as usual, but we both find happiness in it, so I don’t mind. For my part, I just need to show my manliness when it counts. That’s how I’ve justified it.

「Fufu… once again, good morning, Kazunari-san.」

「Good morning, Sara-san.」

When our lips parted, that melting expression faded, and Sara-san smiled with her usual gentle face. But she also had a bit of a mischievous look in her eyes.

「Now I’m in top form for today♪」

「Haha, that’s good to hear.」

「Yes! And… we still have about five minutes left…」

「………」

Squeeze.

Hearing that, I hugged Sara-san back. I softly pressed my face against her usual spot.

There were five minutes left. That meant it was okay to act spoiled for a bit longer, and that she wanted me to act spoiled. I was sure that’s what Sara-san wanted to say.

So, I took the plunge.

If I was wrong… well, I’ll deal with that when it happens.

「Fufu… please let me dote on you to the fullest for these last five minutes, okay, Kazunari-san?」

She said that, but I’m sure it won’t end in five minutes. I just have a feeling. But I guess a morning like this is fine once in a while.

「Morning, you two~」

「Morning.」

We met up with the two of them at the usual convenience store and started the slow walk toward school.

The sky was a beautiful autumn blue with hardly a cloud in sight, perfect for a school festival.

But something felt different from the usual walk to school… ah, right, today’s Sunday.

The lack of office workers in suits and the few trucks on the road made sense now.

「Wife, did something happen?」

Hanako-san, who had been peering curiously at Sara-san’s face, suddenly asked. As far as I knew, nothing special had happened.

「Why do you ask?」

「You seem to be in a better mood than usual. It’s unnatural, considering the Miss Contest is today.」

「Now that you mention it, she’s right. You’re in a good mood even though you hate the idea of the contest… is it…」

Natsumi-senpai made a look of blatant disgust as she said that. She even turned her gaze toward me.

Actually, I was starting to realize the reason based on that exchange. Natsumi-senpai had probably reached a similar conclusion.

「I see… Kazunari acted spoiled this morning, and you’re happy.」

「…How did you know?」

「How could I not?」

Hanako-san was the one who hit the mark (she’s sharp), but for some reason, Natsumi-senpai was the one who quipped. It’s been officially decided that Sara-san’s mood depends entirely on me. I guess it’s a bit late for that realization, though.

「Fufu… Kazunari-san acts so spoiled and honest when we’re in the futon…」

「Sara-san, stop!」

I know she’s just happy and wants to say it, but that phrasing is bad in so many ways.

I’d like to think these two won’t misunderstand, but it’s still a statement packed with dangerous implications.

「…Do-Don’t tell me, you two…」

「…It’s fine. The Wife’s words are literal. Nothing more, nothing less.」

「R-Right… seriously, that’s misleading.」

「I’m only speaking normally, am I not?」

「I know that!!」

Sara-san was perfectly calm since she had no hidden meaning, but Natsumi-senpai, who had overthought it, was turning red. Hanako-san, meanwhile, was perfectly normal. She’s got a strong heart as always.

As for me, I have no idea what Natsumi-senpai was thinking to overthink it that much. Yeah.

「Haa… I’m terrified to ask what kind of life you’re living at home.」

「Better not to ask. I suspect there’s much more to it.」

Sh-She’s sharp. As expected of Hanako-san.

If they found out we take baths together too, they’d never believe nothing’s happened. Especially our parents, we can never let them know.

「But Sara, we’re fine, but you should probably stop saying things that hint at you two living together. If the school finds out…」

「I believe it will be fine.」

「Really?」

「Yes. The school told me to consult them if I have any problems.」

Just like Sara-san said, it’s true the homeroom teacher said something like that. Considering the way they’ve handled things and backed us up, it’s probably Mayumi-san’s doing.

「For the record, my guess is that the school knows they’re living together and is just looking the other way. Normally it’d be bad, but they can’t really object to an officially engaged couple with parental consent.」

「Eh… d-do they really know that much?」

「They’d have to, or they wouldn’t know how to handle anything that comes up. I’m sure the Wife’s mother could handle that kind of groundwork and foundation-building at this school with ease.」

「I, I see…」

「Yes, Mother would have no problem moving like that.」

「True, if it’s Mayumi-san…」

I felt like I could hear a cheerful voice in my head saying,「Nfufu~ I’ll work hard for my cute son!♪」

I instinctively looked around, but nobody was there.

Even the voice in my head has quite the presence. Mayumi-san is terrifying as always.

Wait, doesn’t Hanako-san seem to understand Mayumi-san surprisingly well?

「By the way, Natsumi, is your match today going to be okay?」

「Ah… it’ll be fine. They aren’t an opponent I can take lightly, but as long as I can show the results of my practice.」

「Natsumi-senpai will have it easy. The ball will bounce in a trajectory that attacks the opponent’s face…」

「No, that’s impossible.」

「Then, the ball returned from the opponent will, for some reason, end up right in your hand…」

「Stop, Hanako-san, you shouldn’t go any further.」

A mysterious emergency stop order came down from God, so I hurriedly covered Hanako-san’s mouth. Literally, I cupped my hand over her mouth. I just mimicked the motion, though, I didn’t actually block it.

「…Does tennis really have such amazing techniques?」

「Of course not!!」

「I’m joking, obviously.」

「…………」

Natsumi-senpai glared at a cutely smiling Sara-san with dead eyes, then started glaring at me too.

No, no, that was just Sara-san’s cute playfulness. We’ve gone to cheer for her so many times, there’s no way we wouldn’t know that.

「Anyway, I’m glad you don’t seem overly tense or nervous.」

「Well, she can’t really afford to lose right in front of Tachibana-san while he’s cheering, can she?」

「Guh…」

And just like that, the conversation shifted and Yuji’s name was brought up. Natsumi-senpai was suddenly on the defensive.

It looks like they’re just teasing her, but they’re actually just trying to ease her nerves because they’re worried about her. It’s just a bit of fun.

「Ah…」

「Hm? What is it, Takanashi-kun?」

I’d realized something pretty important and let out a sound.

Come to think of it, Natsumi-senpai hasn’t gone public about Yuji yet, has she?

Even if most of her fans are girls, Natsumi-senpai is still sitting on a bit of a bombshell.

「No, well, I was just wondering if Yuji has ever come to cheer for a match before.」

「Ah, that. Actually, he hasn’t. We haven’t had any major matches since we started dating, and I have practice on my days off, so it’s hard to find time for dates… wait, what are you making me say!?」

「Ueh, that’s not my fault…」

「Natsumi, I will not allow you to falsely accuse Kazunari-san, you know?」

「I cannot overlook that.」

「Fine, fine, the usual routine…」

Phew, I managed to dodge that. I was saved by Sara-san’s and Hanako-san’s rhythm.

Honestly, it’s something I’m curious about, but I can’t let Natsumi-senpai worry about it right now. She needs to focus on her match.

Still.

Same for me, but between Hayato and Yuji… why do our problems all overlap so perfectly?

「Good morning!」

「Morning!!」

「Good morning.」

The student council members were gathering one by one at the headquarters tent in front of the main gate. It was almost time for the morning assembly, which included checking today’s schedule.

After yesterday, our preparations for entry control were perfect from the morning, and all points of concern like the sculptures in front of the entrance had been settled.

The only thing to worry about was the number of guests, but.

「Whoa, this is insane.」

「Seriously. Is this a line for some famous doujin circle or something? (lol)」

「I mean, there’s even a security guard for traffic control!?」

「Ah, it looks like the teachers handled that based on how things were yesterday.」

Yeah. Even at a quick glance, the line waiting for the doors to open was clearly longer than yesterday’s.

Probably because it’s Sunday, there were visibly more families and students. But thanks to the traffic control, it didn’t look like we’d need to head out there ourselves.

「Now then, it seems everyone is here, so let us begin the morning assembly.」

Sara-san lowered the pitch of her voice to tighten the atmosphere.

I, and everyone else, focused our attention on her dignified, clear voice.

「Good morning again, everyone.」

「「「 Good morning. 」」」

「The School Festival, which has been long if you include the preparation period, ends today. And today could be called the real main event. Since it’s Sunday, we will have many families. Naturally, the possibility of children… especially small ones… getting lost will be high, so please be proactive in speaking to anyone who looks like they are in trouble.」

「「「 Yes!! 」」」

「Next…」

Sara-san went through the points of concern, followed by a final check of the schedule and everyone’s assigned areas.

We finished setting up the traffic cones just like yesterday, and the newspaper club was waiting beside them. Pre-entry prep was all done. All that was left was to wait for the guests.

「Man, I’m looking forward to the Miss Contest today.」

「I’ve got a window where I can go peek, so I can give Satsukawa-san plenty of support!!」

「Support? But Satsukawa-san doesn’t even want to win, does she?」

「Even so, she’s representing the student council.」

「How are you feeling, Satsukawa-san?」

「Just the same as usual. I have absolutely no intention of working hard, though.」

「Haha, you’re as consistent as ever.」

「It is just a nuisance. I want to get it over with as quickly as possible.」

Just as she said, Sara-san’s face was practically screaming「This is a pain.」

But even though she said that, it was a bit surprising that she was still planning to participate.

Usually, it wouldn’t be weird for Sara-san to just say「I’m quitting」and bail at the last second.

Feedback whine

「Ah, ah, test, test, mic test… okay…」

Along with a slightly grating noise from the speakers, there was the familiar, bouncy, cheerful anime voice of Fukazawa-san.

「Ssssh… GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!」

「「「 Good morning! 」」」

「Hmm, that was quiet. I can’t hear you!!!!!!!」

No, you’re in a soundproof room… but I’ll skip the standard quip for now.

Fukazawa-san’s broadcast, which was as annoying… I mean, as energetic as ever, had finally begun.

I’m constantly impressed she can manage that high tension so early in the morning.

She’s a pro, in a way.

「Now then, it’s finally the final day of the School Festival!! The main events are piled high!! The volunteer bands in the gym are in top form with guests from other schools, and some sports clubs are even having invitational matches!! There are even more places to go than yesterday, so it’s going to be tough for me and all of you!!!」

I was completely ignoring the gym events, but there were some things like the brass band and drama club that I was actually interested in. Volunteer bands… not so much.

But with a schedule this packed, it was impossible to see everything. It couldn’t be helped.

「And then, and then… in the afternoon, on the special stage in the schoolyard… finally, finally, the event everyone’s been waiting for, the Miss Contest is officially happening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!」

「「「 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!! 」」」

「Whoa…」

「That’s rough…」

When Fukazawa-san called out「Miss Contest,」a heavy, sweltering roar from the guys echoed through the whole school. The student council girls looked genuinely disgusted, and I felt the same way. Honestly, it was gross.

「Your host will, of course, be me… Minamin!!!!!!!!!! Listen up, you guys, even though I’m cute, don’t you dare vote for me!!!!!!!!!!」

「「「 MI-NA-MIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 」」」

「「「………」」」

What was this… the excitement enveloping the school only seemed to dampen our spirits. It was like a counter-reaction.

I understood they were having fun, but to be blunt, I just couldn’t keep up. Was it because we were being spoilsports, or were we just too detached? Was it our problem?

「A bunch of idi—」

「Okay, stop.」

A signal from God flashed in my head as an intuition, so I hurriedly covered Hanako-san’s mouth. This had been happening a lot lately, but since it was God’s instruction, I had no choice.

God said it would be dangerous for Hanako-san to say that line in more ways than one.

The reason?

Of course, I have no idea. Yeah.

「What’s more!! For this year’s Miss Contest, finally, at long last, that person will be making an appearance!!!!!!! Everyone with free time, get over here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!」

「「「 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!! 」」」

A roar that was the grossest… the most intense and heavy yet thundered through the school, and for some reason, it could even be heard from the street.

That meant that the number of regular guests who came specifically for the Miss Contest was even higher than expected!?

But more than that… more than that… Sara-san looked… incredibly displeased.

Even I, who was with her all the time, was shocked by her freezing, icy gaze. Was this absolute zero? Honestly, it was a problem.

The pressure was so intense that the guys nearby were looking completely stiff.

「Mnh.」

Chu.

And for some reason, Hanako-san ignored the atmosphere and kissed the palm of my hand in the middle of the chaos. Just because Sara-san wasn’t looking doesn’t mean you should go that far, you know?

It was ticklish, and I felt a little shiver.

「Whoa… it looks like the news about today’s Miss Contest entries has leaked to the public.」

「Satsukawa-san is famous even in the surrounding schools, after all. I wonder how this will turn out.」

「It will turn out however it turns out. I am only appearing, I plan to just wing it.」

「Well, I guess so. Are you going to bail at the last second again?」

「No, I shall appear. That is that.」

「I see, good luck.」

「 I shall not work hard. 」

Um… if things were this crazy, I feel like the usual Sara-san would normally just bail and ignore everyone completely.

Honestly, it was rare or unexpected. Would she really endure this much just out of her sense of responsibility as Student Council President?

I was a bit worried.

「Okay, it’s time for the countdown!! Are you ready!!!!!!!!!!」

「「「 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! 」」」

「Here we go, ten! Nine! Eight!」

「Seven!」

「Six!」

「Five!」

Sara-san looked at me and smiled, and I smiled back.

Hanako-san was smiling too as she held hands with Todo-san.

I felt like I could clearly see the smiles of everyone who wasn’t here.

「Three! Two! One!」

And just like that, the second day of the School Festival

「ZEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!」

「The final day of the School Festival has officially BEGUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!!!!」

The curtain rose!